"Through the full twenty-five years, My dharma practice improved. I never felt worldly cravings And realized the nature of true Dharma." ---Ānanda's verse on being Buddha's attendant from “Verses of the Elders” (Theraghātā) "4. Even though Ananda was my attendant, and had not abandoned all the afflictions of desire, while accompanying me to royal palaces… Continue reading ‘FLESH AND BLOOD’ EMBODIMENT OF DHARMA AND ‘TREASURY OF MUCH LISTENING’: ANANDA (ALL-JOYFUL) BUDDHA’S BEST AND MAIN ATTENDANT. An Introduction to the life-story of Ananda and his eight special qualities by 17th Karmapa (Day 7, August 2022)